Hyundai Xcent Hatchback First Drive & Performance

Hyundai Xcent Hatchback First Drive & Performance

Hyundai Xcent Overview

Hyundai Xcent was firstly launched at the 2014 Auto Expo in the Indian market. The sedan never really was a super performer, nor it was a disappointment as it continued to garner moderate sales of around 3000-4000 units per month. But, from the past few months, the Xcent started losing its charm due to arrival of several up-market sedans. Plus, ageing was also a factor behind the dipping sales. Hence, it propelled Hyundai to come up with a mild facelift of the sedan with updates not just limited to cosmetics but mechanical as well. The new Xcent is introduced in both petrol and diesel fuel trims in five trim levels: E, E+, S, SX and SX (O). In addition, an automatic variant is also introduced in petrol fuel trims, based on the S trim. The petrol engine is retained while the 1.1L diesel engine is replaced with 1.2L unit, sourced from the recently launched Grand i10 facelift. The biggest highlight of the Xcent is undoubtedly the introduction of 7-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. View offers on Hyundai Cars from Hyundai dealers in Hyderabad at Autozhop

Hyundai Xcent Look

It is based on the Grandi10 hatchback and thus borrows similar looks. It is just an additional boot which makes all the difference. Hyundai’s much acclaimed Fluidic Design language has really worked well on all its cars. However, the Xcent doesn’t look as ‘Wow!’ as other Hyundais in India.The hexagonal grille is bold in design. The headlights sweep back towards the side as well as on the bonnet making it look large. The lower section of the front bumper has multiple crease lines.

The Xcent too gets machined alloy wheels like the Grandi10. The side profile looks balanced with the additional boot. It does not look as coarse as the Swift DZire. It has a wheelbase of 2425mm which is exactly the same in the hatchback. This effectively means the interior space remains untouched but this time the luggage space has been increasedThe new rear end looks smart and crisp with no additional lines. It has been kept clean without giving any fussy design elements. The tail lamps are again similar in design but the reflection shape and style has been changed in the Xcent which makes it look clean.

Hyundai Xcent Space

The biggest change on the inside is noticeable in form of the updated 7.0-inch touchscreen. The update brings the same new software that’s on its big sister, the Elantra, and the system allows drivers to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, among multiple other useful apps. Functionality is slick, connecting your phone is nice and easy and CarPlay works so well here, it makes using the phone so much safer. What’s also evident is the huge step up in quality in comparison to other cars in this class. While the quality of the cabin hasn’t been improved further, the fit and finish of the dash, the way in which the steering is crafted, the deft manner in which the controls function, all point to a very high level of sophistication. The finish of the steering wheel is, in fact, so good, the detailing so fine that it could pass muster on a much more expensive car. And the same goes for the gear lever – it’s nothing short of a work of art, its chrome, leather and Plexiglas finish a complete joy to hold. The cabin isn’t too wide and sitting three abreast in the back will be tight. But even backseat comfort is good. There’s a fair amount of legroom, the seat base is placed at a good height and you even get an air-con vent to keep you cool. The backrest of the Xcent, however, is a bit too reclined and not as comfortable as it could have been.

Hyundai Xcent Gearbox

Hyundai Xcent, identical to its predecessor, comes in both petrol and diesel fuel trims. The petrol variants retain the same 1.2L 4-cylinder Kappa dual VTVT engine which develops top power of 82bhp at 6000rpm and peak torque of 114Nm at 4000rpm. It is linked to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, while it is also available with a 4-speed automatic gearbox in S grade.Coming to the diesel front, the 1.1L engine has gone for a toss in favour of a new and more powerful 1.2L 3-cylinder U2 CRDi engine, which generates maximum power output of 74bhp at 4000rpm highest torque performance of 190Nm between 1750-2250rpm. It is on offer with only a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Hyundai has also improved bump absorption and ride quality. There’s a fair amount of suppleness in the suspension, bad patches are ridden over with consummate ease and acoustic isolation is so good you hardly ever hear the wheels thumping over rough ground. Only sharp bumps and ridges tend to catch the car out, the occasional ‘whack’ heard when riding over them. Even the steering and handling is nicer. The former is now lighter to use, smoother in operation and more accurate. And grip from the chassis is now so good, the Xcent is actually quite fun to drive around corners.The 2017 Hyundai Xcent comes with improved handling as comapred to its precedessor. The company engineers have worked hard towards the light steering wheel. The power delivery in the diesel variants is smoother due to the new engine. The NVH levels are immensely controlled and one seldom hear a noise even at low speeds. It feels pretty decent behind the steering wheel.

Hyundai Xcent Safety

Hyundai Xcent comes with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The company has offered dual front airbags as standard fitment across the entire variant line-up of the new sedan. In addition, several premium features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock, Keyless entry with Smart Key, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Camera with display on audio, Central Locking, etc. are available with the top-end variants. Though, it looks bleaker than the preceding model, which had ABS as standard safety feature. Also, the other sedans in the segment come equipped with more safety features than Xcent.

The Xcent ticks all boxes for someone looking for a practical car. It gets class leading features along with a spacious cabin. Prices start from Rs.486516 and go all the way to Rs. 775855. The Xcent directly rivals Honda Amaze and Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire. Honda Amaze is priced between Rs.534018 to Rs.791240 while the DZire is priced between Rs. 512306 to Rs.761679.All the three brands hold a strong position in the Indian car industry. These three cars have their individual characteristics. Hyundai Xcent will appeal to the ones seeking a feature rich entry sedan. Also, since it comes from a brand like Hyundai, trust and confidence will be a package deal.